Network Rail has today called for an end to the “avoidable stupidity” of lorry drivers who crash into railway bridges because they don’t know the height of their vehicles.

The plea has come after two bridge strikes in the West Midlands yesterday (31st January) and two today in Cumbria and West London, which has, in turn, caused hours of delays to passengers.

Today, two separate incidents in Langwathby, Cumbria, and West Ruislip, London, caused further unnecessary delays to passengers and motorists while Network Rail investigated for any damage before fully reopening the lines.

Network Rail’s structural engineers always need to check the bridge is safe before any train service can begin to run again.

The bridge strikes come after Network Rail’s recently launched ‘What the Truck’ campaign, aimed at getting lorry drivers to know their vehicles’ heights and choose road routes accordingly.

What did the officials say?

Mark Killick, the chief operating officer for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “There’s no excuse for this. Lorry drivers should know their vehicle’s height and width – not guess and hope for the best.

“Despite being very clearly marked, these bridges were driven into by irresponsible drivers causing unnecessary disruption to railway and road-users. We will be doing all we can to reclaim the costs we incurred from the haulage companies responsible.”

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